(July 28) — I’ve been moved by a new book: The Pastoral Clinic: Addiction and Dispossession along the Rio Grande. This paperback by anthropologist Angela Garcia was published last month by the Univ. of Calif. Press. It focuses on the Española Valley, though it includes an interview with a Taoseño. Today I posted a review on Amazon.com. If you read the book, let me know what you think. Does my assessment seem to be on target?
Israeli Recognition of Conversions
(July 25) — Israel’s Knesset (Legislative Assembly) has been considering a bill that would dramatically alter how conversions to Judaism are conducted in, and recognized by, that state. Although the implications are not altogether clear, Jewish leaders in the Diaspora have been concerned enough to mount a major lobbying effort against the bill.
During the past two weeks, Israeli officials received more than 60,000 emails and letters expressing opposition to the proposed bill. This has prompted the bill’s postponement during this Knesset session.
Next High Holy Days
(Nov. 14) — The TJC board of directors and I have agreed to a 2-year extension of our relationship. Accordingly, I will return to the Taos Jewish Center around September 7, 2010, for our communal observance of Rosh ha-Shanah. I look forward to seeing you again then!
